Are you a Mary or a Martha? It would be difficult to find an American Christian woman who has not struggled to be more like Mary, the Christ-follower who sat at Jesus’s feet while her overworked sister, Martha, labored in the kitchen.

So what if you’re a Martha? Is that okay? This often quoted Bible story from Luke 10 seems to suggest that wanting to serve, achieve, and accomplish things as Martha did was wrong. But that’s not the case. There’s nothing wrong with being productive and getting things done.

Author Katie Reid will remove the guilt from all of the doers out there who feel less spiritual than their laid-back, easygoing friends. She’ll help you embrace your God-given, go-getter personality as well as discover how—and when—to rest and retreat. You’ll learn that you can be a doer while still resting in God’s presence!

SHOW NOTES: 413podcast.com/201

Growing up as a Chinese American daughter of a mail-order bride and a busboy in San Francisco’s Chinatown, Bonnie Gray never felt like she belonged. She spent her childhood hiding “Chinese Bonnie” who lived in a dysfunctional home in poverty, so she could be accepted as cheerful “American Bonnie” who lived a life that looked like everybody else’s.

Bonnie joins me on the podcast today, and you’ll hear how she made peace with her past and how it has changed everything about her future. As she was trying to throw away pieces of her past—the ones she thought no one wanted—she discovered God was tenderly gathering all the broken fragments to build a new story of faith and joy.

It’s only when we learn to embrace the truth of our past that we can finally make sense of our present and celebrate what truly matters.

SHOW NOTES: 413podcast.com/200

Bonnie Gray and I weren’t done talking when Episode 200 ended, so here’s the rest of the conversation. It’s all about being okay with ourselves and cheerleaders for each other.

In the earlier episode, we were discussing why we choose the color of our clothing—and more specifically why Bonnie felt ashamed to wear pink. But then, our conversation went in a direction I didn’t expect.

As we wrapped up, we talked about choosing honesty over comfort and how that can lead to freedom and peace. And it was just so rich that I simply had to share it. Listen in…

SHOW NOTES: 413podcast.com/200

When you look in the mirror, do you love the skin you’re in? For most of us, that seems impossible. And even if we do accept our bodies, does that mean we’re abandoning any effort to improve?

Oh, girl, this thought process is enough to drive anyone crazy! It’s confusing and takes up way too much space in our heads and hearts. So today, we are going to make this a non-issue!

Author Jennifer Taylor Wagner will show you how to overcome negative feelings about your body. And it starts with your mind—realizing you have a good body because it’s the one God gave you. You’ll be challenged in the way you think about health and wellness, and you’ll learn that your worth and value aren’t tied to your size.

So, let’s get to it! It’s time to go from loathing to loving your body.

SHOW NOTES: 413podcast.com/199

We all want to know how to talk to God and get answers to our prayers. Yet lots of us struggle to pray and are convinced we’re doing it wrong. So is there a secret to talking with God?

Well, according to today’s guest, there is.

Author and seminary professor, Kyle DiRoberts, shares the secret to prayer and reveals the impact of humility on your prayers. He’ll also give you practical ways to connect with God as the heroes of the faith did. And the result? A more vibrant, unstuck prayer life!

You’ll learn that just because you don’t get it right doesn’t mean you’ve got the whole thing wrong, especially when it leads to a more intimate relationship with God.

SHOW NOTES: 413podcast.com/198

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word “unclutter”? Is it your house? Well today, you’ll learn to unclutter something far more important … your soul. And, just like your house, sometimes we need to get in there, sort through it, and toss the things that weigh us down.

Author Trina McNeilly joins me on the podcast and invites you to take a closer look at where the home really is—your soul—where the throws of life leave us feeling anxious and overwhelmed. She’ll share how decluttering your life from the inside out leads to freedom as you create more space for peace and joy.

So, it’s time to clean out some internal clutter! Let's do it together...

SHOW NOTES: 413podcast.com/197

So many of us struggle to create space in our daily routines for time with God. We want to feel close to Him, but we’re wondering, “How do I create a quiet space in my chaotic schedule? Why is this so hard? Am I the only one?” Well, my friend, you are not the only one.

Author Naomi Vacaro, creator of the Quiet Time Companion journal, gives you hope and a unique solution for creating—and maintaining—a quiet-time habit. In this episode, you’ll learn that having daily time with God is simple, attractive, and doable no matter what season of life you’re in.

So, it’s time to get out of ruts and into some grace-based habits.

SHOW NOTES: 413podcast.com/196

In a busy world full of distractions, an intimate relationship with the Holy Spirit is more important than ever. But for many, the Holy Spirit seems vague and even a little confusing.

Today, author Becky Thompson is back on the 4:13 to invite you into a closer relationship with the Holy Spirit. She’ll unpack who He is and how He moves. And you’ll learn how to recognize His voice and discern when God is leading you.

The Holy Spirit doesn’t only attend certain church services or speak only to certain people. Oh no, my friend! He is with you right now, so let’s learn about who He is and how to hear His voice.

SHOW NOTES: 413podcast.com/195

I hung out in the podcast closet with two 20-somethings, Nico and Mary, who work at our ministry. They asked lots of great questions common to every 20-something, including questions about dating, marriage, identity, planning their future, being honest about their sin, and simply getting through the decade of their 20’s.

I loved their questions because, in all actuality, the responses they received apply to any woman at any age!

So, if you’re in your 20’s or ANY decade that follows, you’ll find this conversation so helpful.

SHOW NOTES: 413podcast.com/20somethings

In a world that applauds self-improvement, anxiety levels are at an all-time high. We feel pressure to lead, pressure to be productive, pressure to seize the day, and if you’re a parent … the pressure to parent well around the clock.

Well, today’s guest, best-selling author, Ruth Chou Simons found herself squarely situated in that same camp, knowing there had to be a better way of living than the world’s ever-changing, never-enough standard.

In this episode, Ruth will guide you to freedom from the never-ending quest for self-improvement and give you the truth that can change everything. It’s time to drop that never-ending search for adequacy and receive grace instead.

SHOW NOTES: 413podcast.com/194